Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or looking to change careers, the HVAC and Refrigeration industry offers excellent pay, job security, and rewarding opportunities. But the requirements for entering the field are not as clear as they are for other professions. In this article, we will explain the requirements for getting entry level refrigeration and air conditioning jobs.
Educational requirements for refrigeration and air conditioning jobs
People mistakenly believe they need to go to a technical school to get qualified for refrigeration and air conditioning jobs. It certainly won’t hurt if you’ve already done so, or if you have attended community college or even completed a bachelor’s degree. Having an educational head start can certainly help you get hired. But you can get started as an HVACR service technician with only a high school diploma or GED.
You’re probably thinking: that sounds good, but how do I learn what I need to know to do the job?
Most people start HVACR service careers as apprentices and learn on the job. Some employers will put you through their own training program while you work as a “helper” alongside a more experienced technician. Others will enroll you in the local union’s training program while you work for them as a helper.
Either way, the employer pays for your training, and you have the opportunity to work and earn money while you learn.
Skills & experience employers look for
Because there is a shortage of qualified service technicians, employers are always looking for experienced men and women. However, you don’t need industry experience to get hired for entry-level refrigeration and air conditioning jobs.
That said, employers are looking for certain skills and experience to show that you’re a good potential candidate who is likely to succeed in a service technician position.
Communication skills
A big part of a service technician’s job is communicating with customers, as well as with fellow technicians and staff members in the office. You need to be able to explain things clearly, know when to ask questions, and share status updates to keep everyone informed. And of course, you need to be friendly, helpful, and keep your cool under stress (even if you don’t always feel that way).
It’s also a big plus if you can write clearly and concisely, since you’ll need to create work orders explaining the work done on each job.
Technical ability
Make no mistake: HVACR is a technology industry. Being good with your hands is helpful, but to succeed in refrigeration and air conditioning jobs, you also need the smarts and the skills to work with complex technology.
Don’t be shy about sharing any experience you have with learning and working with equipment and software.
Driving skills
Many employers will not hire candidates without a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. That’s because service technicians must be able to drive a company truck to job sites and be trusted not to cause accidents or get tickets.
There are some refrigeration and air conditioning jobs where this is not required (if you always work at the same location and don’t need a company vehicle). Also, some employers might hire you to start training with the understanding that you will need to get a license (or clean up your record) before you can progress in your career.
Experience using tools
If you are already familiar with how to use basic hand tools, that skill gives you a head start in your service technician training. (Watch this video to learn about the tools HVACR technicians use every day.)
Personal qualities that will help you succeed
Besides certain types of knowledge and experience, employers are looking for people with the right qualities to help them become good service technicians.
Reliability
Will you show up on time? Will you always follow through on what you say you will do? Or will they have to scramble to replace you on jobs because you call in sick frequently? Employers want to know they can count on you. Customers will be counting on you, too.
Work ethic
Are you someone who is ready and willing to work hard to reach their goals? Or someone who takes the easy way out? Service technicians often do hard physical labor in difficult conditions (hot, cold, and cramped spaces, even rooftops). They sometimes work long hours during peak seasons. Are you up for the challenge?
Interest in helping others
People who succeed in HVACR service work tend to be those who truly enjoy helping others. They get satisfaction from finding the solution to a problem and from making others happy. You’ll see: it’s a great feeling when you restore comfort to a household or restore conditions that impact people’s health and wellbeing. And, for commercial customers, they rely on HVAC and refrigerations systems to help their business make money.
Love of learning
We mentioned that HVACR is a technology field, which means that things are changing all the time. Even after you complete your apprenticeship training (which can take several years), it’s essential to keep your skills up to date. Working as a service technician in this field requires ongoing learning, even for a fully qualified journeyman. So if you enjoy learning new things and building on your skills, that quality will serve you well.
Get started applying to refrigeration and air conditioning jobs in the NYC area
Now that you understand the requirements, are you confident that you have what it takes to succeed as a HVACR service technician? Check out our resources that can help you find jobs in the New York City area:
HVACR Career Connect NY was created to promote the exceptional quality-of-life benefits of a career in HVAC and Refrigeration service, and also to provide a clear path for getting started in the profession. In doing so, we serve as a resource for employers in the New York City metro area to find and hire smart and capable new technicians. We also serve as an educational resource to support business growth and to help service technicians succeed in their chosen profession.
Learn about technical careers in the HVAC & Refrigeration industry, how to get hired and tips to build your career.